It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of The Merry Widow Country Inn in Hopefield.
Recently, they’ve added another feather to their cap: theMill Country Fair – a rather colourful plume to their ever-stylish panama. And whilst I might be biaised (I feel lucky to count them as friends and fellow travellers in this West Coast adventure of ours), I also like to think I have good taste. And theMill Market is, indeed, in good taste.
With ‘Old World Heart, New World Art’ as the connective thread running through their portfolio of activities held at The Mill Art Initiative, The Merry Widow really knows how to celebrate life.
Walking into the market on Church Street feels like stepping through The Looking Glass; the colours are bold and the sky is expansive. A genteel atmosphere and truly authentic experience that’s only enhanced by the old-fashioned orange tree, so heavy with fruit at the moment.
Of course I was thrilled to be able to participate when they invited me to set up a wild roses grow stall:
Every first Saturday of the month, you’ll find arts and crafts, as well as antique and vintage items, books, homemade preserves, local produce, good food, music and all-round geselligheid (which I’d like to translate into English - exceptionally loosely - as Merriment).
Look out for The Kitchen Witch with her Amazing-Naise and In-a-Jar Brownies, as well as Amanda from Skoonsustersbos serving up homemade bread, sundried tomatoes, pâtés, olives and more.
Then there’s Pêrels en Pampoene, Whimsical Flair, Ani Fourie’s children’s clothing, as well as many other talented artists and local producers, all accompanied by Louis (affectionally known as ‘Babs’ around here) on the guitar…
At the previous market, Aldo Cannone and his accordion lent a certain nostaligia to the affair, and Longridge was the guest winery for the day. I look forward to seeing all the new developments as the market grows and thrives.
Unfortunately, my camera’s been a bit temperamental of late (and no, I wasn’t having a ‘me-me-me’ moment when I left my stall photo in colour. My pictures seem to be turning out quite grainy these days, but The Mill’s gorgeous red wall somehow provided a deliciously distracting backdrop). That said, all is not lost as you can also find photos at The Merry Widow’s Facebook group. Whilst you’re there, consider ’liking’ their page to keep up with news and events. I know they offer exclusive specials to their Facebook friends. You heard it here.
After all was said and done and the stallholders had packed up, I ran into one of The Mill’s co-creators who said, “Isn’t it amazing how The Mill just transforms itself?”
And I burst out laughing.
Because whilst The Mill is magic, this transformation is by no means spontaneous. It requires a special form of alchemy. A blend of love, passion and good humour that the creative minds behind the initiative pour so liberally into everything that they do.
The Mill will once again be transformed this weekend as it’s also the perfect venue for creative and cultural workshops. I start teaching an ‘Intensive French’ course (a natural and exciting extension to The Day Job) on Saturday and we’ll be adding new sessions throughout the year.
For more information on the activities and events at The Mill, take a look at their online calendar or get in touch with them via email or on +27 (0)22 – 723 1528.
Remember to bookmark the following market dates (no need to pencil them in – you’ll want these in ink). And, of course, I’d love for you to stop by and say “hello”:
* 4 June 2011 * 2 July 2011 * 6 August 2011 * 27 August 2011 * 3 September 2011 * 1 October 2011 * 5 November 2011 * 3 December 2011.
by wild roses grow
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